Pressure–Volume Curve during Capnoperitoneum in Cats

Laparoscopy is a growing field in veterinary medicine, although guidelines are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pressure&ndash
volume curve during capnoperitoneum in cats. A total of 59 female cats were scheduled for routine laparoscopy. Pressure and volume data were recorded and processed, and the yield point of the curve was calculated using a method based on a capacitor discharging function. For the remaining 40 cats, a linear-like pressure&ndash
volume curve was observed until a yield point with a mean cutoff pressure (COP) of 6.44 &plusmn
1.7 mmHg (SD) (range, 2.72&ndash
13.00 mmHg) and a mean cutoff volume (COV) of 387 &plusmn
144.35 mL (SD) (range, 178.84&ndash
968.43 mL) was reached. The mean mL/kg CO2 value in cats was 208 &plusmn
34.69 mL/kg (range, 100.00&ndash
288.46 mL/kg). The COV correlated with COP and body weight but not with body condition score (BCS). COP correlated only with the COV. This study suggests that feline patients have a pressure&ndash
volume curve similar to that of canine patients, and the same pressure limit recommendations can be used for both species. After a yield point of 6.44 mmHg is reached, the increment in volume decreases exponentially as the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) increases.